Set for its international debut at the International Motor Show in Spain, the addition of the Mini Cooper S cabriolet will add extra bite to Mini’s funky line-up.
Set for its international debut at the International Motor Show in Spain, the addition of the Mini Cooper S cabriolet will add extra bite to Mini’s funky line-up.
Using a supercharged 1,6-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with an intercooler, this beauty produces a maximum output of 125 kW at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 220 N.m at 4 000r/min.
Mated to the revised six-speed manual gearbox, this engine ensures that the Cooper S cabriolet dashes to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 215 km/h. When shrouded in its fixed roof guise, the Cooper S is only 0,2 seconds and seven km/h faster.
Inside, the standard brushed aluminium finish can be replaced with one of five body-colour matching panels. Its palette includes extra racy colours and both the Cooper and Cooper S cabriolets now come with a choice of either black, blue or grean fabric roof.
With the push of a button and 15 seconds, the roof using a Z-folding mechanism packs the roof away behind the seats without the need for a tonneau cover.
The soft top can be opened in varying amounts from just a crack to the full 400 mm while moving at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
The Mini Cabrio comes with a drop-down boot lid that can double as a load deck for loads up to 80 kg. With the roof closed, the boot holds 165 litres and 120 litres with the roof open.
The rear seat backrests can be folded forward to increase luggage capacity to a gigantic 605 litres with Mini’s Easy-Load system. Backrests can also be locked to protect luggage with the roof down.
Safety is paramount with the Mini Cooper S Cabrio complying with the stringent crash test standards thanks to a stiff body structure and an efficient restraint system comprising two ‘intelligent’ front airbags and two seat-integrated head/thorax side airbags.
Thickening the side sill sheet metal increased the body strength and reinforcement plates were added around the floor to create a rigid passenger cell. Double rollover hoops are made of aluminium tubes and on the Cooper S cabriolet are chrome-plated.
ABS, EBD, CBC and ASC+T are standard safety features while DSC is optional.
The MINI Cooper S Cabrio also features a heated rear glass screen, 16-inch light-alloy wheels with runflat tyres, Runflat Indicator, electrically operated exterior mirrors and window lifts, Park Distance Control, rev counter and height adjustable steering column and driver’s seat.
Optional equipment and accessories in European markets includes Xenon headlights, a navigation system featuring a colour display, heated windscreen, automatic climate control, a wind deflector, a wide choice of light alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheel, a rain sensor and a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.
